2. amps-preamps
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Is solid state on the brink of extinction?

I am curious how many out there, like me, that have come to the conclusion the age of solid state, and perhaps tube gear, is closing.

In freeing needed cash from my high end audio recently, I was forced to look for a less expensive alternative. To my surprise, the alternative turned out to be an unexpected bonus.

I have notoriously inefficient speakers. I was sure I would have to sell them once I sold off my large solid state blocks.

Going on a tip from another amp killer speaker owner, I bought an Acoustic Reality eAR 2 MKII Class D amp. This tiny amp caused a revolution in sound benefits over my ss mono blocks.

My speakers gained in speed, depth, control, detail, range, clarity, and dynamics.

It didn't stop there. I also sold my front end, and bought a very cheap programmable digital DVD. It also proved to be better that my old disc player. My playback gained in detail, separation, depth, bass control, bass extension, and treble extension. The mids are just plain natural. Reverberation decay occurs evenly and naturally.

Has anyone else had a similar experience of moving from solid state or tubes to digital? What do you see as the future for solid state component producers? What of tube amps?
muralman1
muralman1 OP
1,527 posts
 
Khrys, I can see how my evangelizing over one product can lead a reader into distrust. I actually enjoy a good argument.

You have me feeling nostalgic over my Great Aunt Key, and cousin Van Day Truex. Even the mansions of Shawnee Missions are gone to condos.

My Pass 600 amps are in merry England. Thanks for asking.

I will toast to your good health these Holidays with a glass of egg nog tonight.
megasam's avatar
megasam
798 posts
 
Seems Acoutic Reality not afraid to put their products out for review.......6 Moons also has review coming on Pre2/Enigma power amp combo.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
http://users.ece.gatech.edu/~mleach/ece4435/f01/ClassD2.pdf

Great link explaining class D amplifiers. I think the Bryston web site said it best, that class D efficiency will see it replace analog solid state in almost all consumer (read circuit city) electronics, but that valve, analog solid state (class A, AB) and class D amps will coexist in high end since all are capable of high performance if well designed and implemented with quality components.

That sounds very reasonable to me. Notice that new technology only ever seems to obsolete old technology in the consumer arena, but never in specialist arenas. Did CD players obsolete vinyl ? Did transistors obsolete tubes ? Have exotic materials obsoleted doped paper drivers ? Not in high end.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Seantaylor99, electricity seems so have replaced winding megaphone-ographs. Somethings just take more time than others.
khrys
446 posts
 
Unsound, electricity has not replaced winding megaphonographs at all. It simply has taken over the winding. For a romantic evening would you prefer GEs incandescents with a space heater or some candles and a crackling fire?
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